Sermon 512: This Jesus (Acts 2:22-36) Easter Sunday

Today’s Bulletin

OUTLINE

I. Peter & The Situation
II. “This Jesus” You Crucified (v.22-23)
III. “This Jesus” is Alive (v.24-32)
IV. “This Jesus” is Lord & Christ (v.33-36)
V. This Jesus Will Come Again (Acts 1:11)

Acts 2:22-36

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,

“‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.”’ 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”


Sermon Discussion questions
This Jesus: Acts 2:22-39

Ice Breaker: What’s your favorite Easter tradition?

This Week Specific

  1. What impacted or stood out to you most from this sermon on Peter's message about Jesus?

  2. Peter confronts his listeners with their role in crucifying Jesus (v.23, 36). Why is it important to recognize our own sinfulness and need for a Savior? How can remembering this lead us to a deeper appreciation for Christ's sacrifice?

  3. The sermon highlights how the crucifixion was part of God's sovereign plan, yet the people bore responsibility for their actions. How do you reconcile God's sovereignty with human responsibility? What does this teach us about God's character?

  4. What evidences for Jesus' resurrection are presented in the sermon? Why is the resurrection so crucial to the Christian faith? How can we discuss this truth winsomely with others?

  5. Peter says Jesus is both "Lord and Christ" (v.36). What does it mean practically in your life for Jesus to be your Lord? What areas do you need to submit more fully to His lordship? What does it mean that Jesus is the Christ? Why is it important that Jesus was “the Christ” before the resurrection? What evidence is there for this?

  6. The sermon describes those hearing Peter's message as being "cut to the heart" (v.37). What have you found renews that sense of awe over what Christ has done?

  7. Peter calls the crowd to "repent and be baptized" (v.38). What is the relationship between repentance and faith? If you are a believer, how is continual repentance still needed in your Christian walk?

  8. When did you place your faith in Jesus? Who was influential in that process? What convinced you of your need for Christ?

  9. Why does Peter emphasize Jesus’ humanity at the start of the passage?

Weekly Questions

  1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

  2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

  3. How can this group pray for you this week?